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The biggest net declines were among fashion retailers, down by 118, while restaurants trailed behind at 103 and pubs dropped by 96.

Ohh Deer's owners have issued an open letter to Ipswich following the store's closure. Photo: Archant,

The research did provide some reasons to be optimistic as store openings rose by around 4% - highlighting the potential opportunities for new entrants as well as established brands.

Lisa Hooker, consumer markets leader at PwC, said: "The record net decline in store numbers in the first half of 2019 shows that there's been no let-up in the changing ways that people shop and the cost pressures affecting high street operators.

"The good news is that there are green shoots, as new entrants are entering even embattled sectors such as fashion. Our research tells us that consumers still want to spend their money in well located and invested stores and leisure venues on the high street.

"However, as consumers continue to change the way they shop and spend their leisure time, the reality is that we may need fewer high streets in the future. This opens up opportunities to repurpose high street space for other uses, while the remaining space evolves to meet consumer demand for convenience, choice and experience."